This study is dealing with the evaluation of four
different image processing software modules for the generation
of digital surface models from very high resolution stereo satellite
data. The analysis was done in an urban area due to the growing
interest in 3D information over built-up areas.
Depending on the different geometric model approaches used
by the different software packages shifts between 3.06 m and 3.27
m between the DSMs and the reference DSM were measured.
The vertical RMSE of the four tested software packages range
between 2.96 m and 14.01 m. However, the visual evaluation
resulted in a different ranking and does not confirm the
quantitative results entirely. The results show that depending on
the building type to be extracted the choice of software package
may vary.
The challenges of automatic DSM extraction in urban areas
and the performance of current software package modules to
address them are discussed. Potential improvements for
automatic DSM extraction in urban areas are identified.